Soft Drugs in Amsterdam 英三 1 24 th Dec. 2013

Summary Proponents of legalizing drugs should be legalized. They suggest that “soft” drugs, such as marijuana, are no more dangerous than alcohol. Anti-drug activists, caution against the dangers of drugs increases crime, drug abuse, and addition.

Summary The Netherlands is directed by the idea that every human being should be able to make their own decisions regarding personal health. Therefore, it distinguishes between soft drugs, such as marijuana, and hard drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines, which often lead to addictions.

Summary All hard drugs are prohibited, but laws permit soft drugs to be sold in coffee shops and used in “hash bars,” as long as the buyer is at least eighteen years old and if no more than five grams are sold in a single transaction.

Summary Studies show that decriminalization of the possession of soft drugs for personal use and the toleration of sales of controlled substances have not resulted in higher levels of use among young people.

Summary Dutch rates of drug use and addiction are lower in every category than those of the United States, even though the US aggressively tries to prevent drug use by setting severe penalties for using or selling illegal drugs, even soft ones. Overall, the Netherlands has the fewest drug-related deaths in all of Europe.

Summary Although the lower drug statistics may be attributed to liberal policies, the Netherlands places a high priority on intervention and prevention with drug use.

Summary For addicts who are Dutch citizens, there are methadone programs to help them quit. These programs have minimal requirements for admission and make very few demands on the clients. This encourages many addicts to seek help.

Summary HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis B are typically spread by dirty needles. Dutch also have a needle exchange program. Intravenous drug users trade in old needles for new, sterile ones.

True or False ____ Hard drugs are allowed in the Netherlands. ____ Heroin is classified as a “soft” drug. ____ The Netherlands has the fewest drug- related deaths in all of Europe. F F T

True or False ____ Although the lower drug statistics may be attributed to liberal policies, the Netherlands places a high priority on intervention and prevention with drug use. ____ For addicts who are Dutch citizens (only from Morocco), there are methadone programs to help them quit. T F

True or False ____ The US aggressively tries to prevent drug use by setting severe penalties for using or selling illegal drugs, even soft ones. ____ Dutch rates of drug use and addiction are higher in every category than those of the United States. T F

True or False ____ These methadone programs have minimal requirements for admission and make very few demands on the clients. This encourages many addicts to seek help. ____ Hard drugs include heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and alcohol. T F

True or False ____ The Netherlands has a unique approach to its drug policy. It is directed by the idea that every human being should be able to make their own decisions regarding personal health. ____ Anyone age 20 and older can buy soft drugs in the Netherlands. T F